France braces for 'very high risk' of disorder at Halloween protests

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced the deployment of 70,000 police officers nationwide to prepare for planned protests on Saturday, coinciding with Halloween, citing a 'very high risk' of public disorder. Authorities have strengthened security measures including armoured vehicles and water cannon, and warned against face masking. The yellow vest and student movements have called for widespread demonstrations, with some protests last week turning into large-scale looting and riots.

Why it matters. The deployment of 70,000 police and the threat of banning demonstrations could affect public safety, civil liberties, and economic activity in city centres during a major holiday period, with potential ripple effects on labour and retail…